Solving Percent Word Problems

Front

What is a percent?

Back

A percent is a ratio expressed as a fraction of 100. It represents a part of a whole.

Front

How do you calculate the total amount when given a percentage of it?

Back

To find the total amount, divide the part by the percentage (in decimal form). For example, if 40% is 250 grams, total = 250 / 0.40 = 625 grams.

Front

What is the formula to calculate a percentage of a number?

Back

The formula is: Percentage = (Part / Whole) x 100.

Front

If 15% of a salary is taken out for taxes, how do you find the amount taken out?

Back

Multiply the salary by 0.15. For example, if the salary is $12,800, tax = 12,800 x 0.15 = $1,920.

Front

How do you find the original price if you know the sale price and the percentage discount?

Back

Use the formula: Original Price = Sale Price / (1 - Discount Rate). For example, if the sale price is $45 and the discount is 75%, original price = 45 / (1 - 0.75) = $180.

Front

What does it mean if something is 30% of a total income?

Back

It means that the amount is 30 out of every 100 parts of the total income.

Front

How do you convert a percentage to a decimal?

Back

To convert a percentage to a decimal, divide by 100. For example, 15% = 15 / 100 = 0.15.

Front

What is the relationship between part, whole, and percentage?

Back

The relationship is defined by the formula: Part = (Percentage / 100) x Whole.

Front

If a jacket is sold for 75% of its original price, how do you find the original price?

Back

If the sale price is known, use the formula: Original Price = Sale Price / (Percentage as a decimal). For example, if the sale price is $45, original price = 45 / 0.75 = $60.

Front

What is the first step in solving a percent word problem?

Back

Identify what is being asked and determine the known values (part, whole, or percentage).